Apparatus and system for a cough and sneeze gaurd for inhibiting the spread of disease

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and system for inhibiting the spread of disease. The apparatus to inhibit the spread of disease includes a mucous collection chamber and a filter. The mucus collection chamber is configured to receive mucus expelled during one of a cough and a sneeze. The mucus collection chamber includes a support member having a coupling surface positoned opposite a filter receiving surface. A wall extends perpendicularly from the filter receiving surface of the support member in a direction opposite the coupling surface of the support member. The wall and the filter receiving surface define a filter receiving space. The filter is positionable in the filter receiving space. The filter is made of an antimicrobial material for collecting mucus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This subject matter relates to disease control and more particularlyrelates to cough and sneeze containment systems.

BACKGROUND

Communicable diseases are a major problem in today's society. When anindividual coughs or sneezes on their hands or in the air there is apotential that the individual will pass infectious germs to anotherindividual. Currently a sick individual uses a tissue or their hands tocover their mouth or nose when the individual coughs or sneezes. Tissuesare inherently unreliable as they are often made of flimsy paper. Thus,when an individual coughs or sneezes the tissue may be torn leavingmucous on the individuals hands.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need existsfor an apparatus and system that inhibits the spread of disease.Beneficially, such an apparatus and system would include be wearable andinclude a disposable, replaceable filter for catching mucous, virusesand bacteria.

The present subject matter has been developed in response to the presentstate of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems andneeds in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currentlyavailable wearable filtration systems. Accordingly, the present subjectmatter has been developed to provide an apparatus and system forinhibiting the spread of disease that overcome many or all of theabove-discussed shortcomings in the art.

The apparatus to inhibit the spread of disease, in one embodiment,includes a mucous collection chamber and a filter. The mucus collectionchamber is configured to receive mucus expelled during one of a coughand a sneeze. The mucus collection chamber includes a support memberhaving a coupling surface positoned opposite a filter receiving surface.A wall extends perpendicularly from the filter receiving surface of thesupport member in a direction opposite the coupling surface of thesupport member. The wall and the filter receiving surface define afilter receiving space. The filter is positionable in the filterreceiving space. The filter is made of an antimicrobial material forcollecting mucus.

The apparatus further includes, in one embodiment, at least one exhaustport positioned through the support member, the wall or both. Theexhaust port(s) releases air from the filter receiving space in responseto an increase in air pressure within the filter receiving space.

In a further embodiment, the support member is a substantially planarcircular disk. In such an embodiment, the wall is substantiallycylindrical and extends perpendicularly from an outer circumference ofthe support member. In one embodiment, the wall extends from a first endto a second end. The first end of the wall is coupled to the filterreceiving surface of the support member. The second end of the wallextends away from the support member. In such an embodiment, the filteris positioned adjacent the second end of the wall and substantiallycovers the filter receiving space.

In one embodiment, the filter receiving surface of the support member,the filter, and the wall define an air gap. The air gap enhances airflowthrough the filter receiving space.

The apparatus, in a further embodiment, includes a spacing elementpositioned between the filter receiving surface of the support memberand the filter. In such an embodiment the spacing element positions thefilter a predefined distance from the filter receiving surface of thesupport member. In an exemplary embodiment the spacing element includesa ring and a plurality of spokes with each spoke supporting the filter.

The apparatus, in one embodiment, also includes a coupling elementcoupled to the mucus collection chamber. The coupling element isconfigured to couple the mucus collection chamber to a user. In anotherembodiment, the apparatus includes a fastening element. In such anembodiment the coupling element may include an elongated band coupled tothe coupling surface of the support member. The band is positionablearound a user's wrist with the fastening element fastening the bandaround the user's wrist. In another embodiment the coupling element is afastener that is coupleable to a garment.

An apparatus to inhibit the spread of disease is also presented thatincludes a mucous collection chamber, a filter, and a coupling element.The mucus collection chamber is configured to receive mucus expelledduring either a cough or a sneeze or both. The mucus collection chamberincludes a support member having a coupling surface positioned oppositea filter receiving surface. A wall extends perpendicularly from thefilter receiving surface of the support member in a direction oppositethe coupling surface of the support member. The wall defines a filterreceiving space and a filter is positionable in the filter receivingspace. The filter is made of a material for collecting mucus. Thecoupling element is coupled to the mucus collection chamber. Thecoupling element is configured to couple the mucus collection chamber toa user.

The apparatus, in certain embodiments, includes at least one exhaustport. The exhaust port(s) are disposed through either the supportmember, the wall, or both. The exhaust port(s) release air from thefilter receiving space in response to an increase in air pressure withinthe filter receiving space.

In an exemplary embodiment, the wall extends from a first end to asecond end. The first end of the wall is coupled to the filter receivingsurface of the support member. The second end of the wall extends awayfrom the support member. The filter is positioned adjacent the secondend of the wall and substantially covers the filter receiving space.

In one embodiment, the filter receiving surface of the support member,the filter, and the wall define an air gap. The air gap enhances airflowthrough the filter receiving space.

In another embodiment, the apparatus also includes a spacing elementpostioned between the filter receiving surface of the support member andthe filter. The spacing element positons the filter a predefineddistance from the filter receiving surface of the support member. Incertain embodiments, the spacing element includes a ring and a pluralityof spokes with each spoke supporting the filter.

The apparatus, in a further embodiment, includes a fastening element. Insuch an embodiment the coupling element may include an elongated bandcoupled to the coupling surface of the support member. The band ispositionable around a user's wrist with the fastening element fasteningthe band around the user's wrist.

An apparatus to inhibit the spread of disease is also disclosed thatincludes a mucous collection chamber and a coupling element. The mucuscollection chamber is configured to receive mucus expelled during eithera cough, a sneeze or both. The coupling element is coupled to the mucuscollection chamber. The coupling element is configured to couple themucus collection chamber to a user.

In a further embodiment, the mucus collection chamber includes a supportmember having a coupling surface positioned opposite a filter receivingsurface. A wall extends perpendicularly from the filter receivingsurface of the support member in a direction opposite the couplingsurface of the support member. The wall defines a filter receivingspace. In such an embodiment, a filter is positionable in the filterreceiving space with the filter comprising an antimicrobial material forcollecting mucus.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present subject matter should be or are inany single embodiment of the subject matter. Rather, language referringto the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specificfeature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with anembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present subjectmatter. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similarlanguage, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily,refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe subject matter may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that thesubject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specificfeatures or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances,additional features and advantages may be recognized in certainembodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the subjectmatter.

These features and advantages of the present subject matter will becomemore fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the subject matter will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the subject matter brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and arenot therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subjectmatter will be described and explained with additional specificity anddetail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a anapparatus to inhibit the spread of disease in accordance with thepresent subject matter; and

FIG. 2 is an exploded view further illustrating the apparatus to inhibitthe spread of disease of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present subjectmatter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present subject matter.Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in anembodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, butdo not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe subject matter may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details areprovided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subjectmatter. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, thatthe subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. Inother instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are notshown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subjectmatter.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an apparatus 100 to inhibit thespread of disease. The apparatus 100, in certain embodiments. Includes amucus collection chamber 102 and a coupling element 104 coupled to themucus collection chamber 102. The apparatus 100 allows a user to coughand/or sneeze into the mucus collection chamber 102 without passinginfectious germs to another individual. In certain embodiments, theapparatus allows for hands free use such that the user can still shakehands with another individual without passing germs to the otherindividual.

The coupling element 104, in one embodiment, is configured to couple themucous collection chamber 102 to the user. In the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 1, the coupling element is an elongated band positionable abouta user's wrist. The elongated band 106 is couple to a coupling surface202 (FIG. 2) on the mucous collection chamber 102. In one embodiment,the band 106 is coupled to the coupling surface 202 of the mucouscollection chamber 102 by a chemical adhesive. In other embodiments, theband 106 may be coupled to the coupling surface 202 of the mucouscollection chamber 102 by a hook and loop system. In yet anotherembodiment, the coupling surface 202 of the mucous collection chamber102 may include a physical coupling system such as tab's under which theband 106 is passed to couple the band 106 to the coupling surface 202 ofthe mucous collection chamber 102. One of skill in the art willrecognize other ways of coupling the mucous collection chamber 102 tothe band 106.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include a fasteningelement that fastens the band 106 to the user's wrist. For example, inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a first end 108 of the band 106 isattached at to a retention ring 110. To couple the apparatus 100 to auser, a second end 112 of the band 106 is passed around a user's wristand through the retention ring 110. In such an embodiment, at least aportion 114 of the band 106 includes a hook and loop fastening elementto loop the second end 112 of the band 106 back upon a middle portion116 (the middle portion 116 of the band 106 is the portion disposedbetween the first end 108 and the second end 112 of the band 106) tofasten the apparatus 100 about the user's wrists. One of skill in theart will recognize other fastening elements to fasten the band 106 aboutthe user's wrist.

In other embodiments, rather than a band 106, the coupling element is afastening element configured to couple the mucous collection chamber 102to a user's garment. For example, in one embodiment, a male or femaleportion of a snap fastener may be coupled to the coupling surface 202 ofthe mucous collection chamber 102. In such an embodiment, the other ofthe male or female portion of a snap fastener may be coupled to a user'sgarment (i.e., a sleeve of a shirt or blouse). The male and femaleportions of the snap fasteners are matingly coupleable to one another toremoveably couple the mucous collection chamber 102 to the user'sgarment. One of skill in the art will recognize other fastening elementsthat may be used to couple the mucous collection chamber 102 to theuser's garment.

In certain embodiments, the mucous collection chamber 102 is configuredto receive mucus expelled during either a cough, a sneeze, or both. Inone embodiment, the mucous collection chamber 102 is a substantiallyhollow chamber coupled to a user (i.e., at a user's wrist) andconfigured to receive mucus expelled during either a cough, a sneeze, orboth. In other embodiments, the mucous collection chamber 102 may beconfigured to receive a tissue to retain the mucus expelled duringeither a cough, a sneeze, or both.

In yet another embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a filter 118positioned within the mucous collection chamber 102. For example, FIG. 2depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of an apparatus 100 toinhibit the spread of disease. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2,the elements comprising the mucous collection chamber 102 have beenexploded to more clearly illustrate such components. Similarly, in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the coupling element 104 (theelongated band 106) is depicted as being removed from the mucouscollection chamber 102.

In one embodiment, the mucous collection chamber 102 includes a supportmember 200 having a coupling surface 202 disposed opposite a filterreceiving surface 204. A wall 206 extends perpendicularly from thefilter receiving surface 204 of the support member 200 in a directionopposite the coupling surface 202 of the support member 200.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support member 200is a substantially planar circular disk and the wall 206 issubstantially cylindrical. The wall 206 extends perpendicularly from anouter circumference of the support member 200. In other embodiments, thesupport member 200 may have any other geometric shape (i.e., triangular,rectangular, square, oval, etc.) In such embodiments, the wall 206 mayextend substantially perpendicularly from the outer edges of the supportmember 200. In yet another embodiment, the wall 206 may extend from theouter edges of the support member 206 at an angle other thanperpendicularly.

In an exemplary embodiment, an inner surface 208 of the wall 206 and thefilter receiving surface 204 of the support member 200 define a filterreceiving space 210. For example, in one embodiment, the wall 206extends from a first end 212 to a second end 214. The first end 212 ofthe wall 206 is coupled to the filter receiving surface 204 of thesupport member 200. The second end 214 of the wall 206 extends away fromthe filter receiving surface 204 of the support member 200 in adirection opposite the coupling surface 202 of the support member 200.

A filter 118 is positionable within the filter receiving space. Incertain embodiments, the filter 118 is positioned adjacent the secondend 214 of the wall 206 and substantially covers the filter receivingspace 210. In other embodiments, the filter 118 is positioned adjacentthe first end 212 of the wall 206. In yet another embodiment, the filter118 is sized to substantially fill the entire filter receiving space210.

In embodiments where the filter 118 does not fill the entire filterreceiving space 210, a spacing element 216 may be used to take up anyspace not occupied by the filter 118. For example, in one embodiment,the spacing element 216 may be inserted into the filter receiving space210 before the filter 118 is positioned within the filter receivingspace 210. Thus, the spacing element 216, in one embodiment, is disposedbetween the filter receiving surface 204 of the support member 200 andthe filter 118. The spacing element 216 positions the filter 118 apredefined distance from the filter receiving surface 204 of the supportmember 200.

In one embodiment, the predefined distance that the spacing element 216positions the filter 118 away from the filter receiving surface 204 ofthe support member 200 is such that the filter rests at a positionadjacent the second end 214 of the wall 206. One of skill in the artwill recognize that in other embodiments, the spacing element 216 mayposition the filter 118 at a position other than where the filter 118 isadjacent the second end 214 of the wall 206.

By spacing the filter 118 away from the filter receiving surface 204 ofthe support member 200, the filter 118, the filter receiving surface 204of the support member 200 and the wall 206 define an air gap. In certainembodiments, the air gap enhances airflow through the filter receivingspace 210. By enhancing air flow through the filter receiving space 210,airflow through the filter 118 is likewise enhanced. An increase inairflow through the filter 118 increases the chances that viruses,bacteria and other germs will be filtered by the filter 118.

To further enhance airflow through the filter 118, in certainembodiments, the apparatus 100 may include at least one exhaust port 218that extends through either the support member 200, the wall 206, orboth. The exhaust port(s) 218 release air from the filter receivingspace 210 in response to an increase in air pressure within the filterreceiving space 210 (i.e., in response to a sneeze or cough directedtowards the filter receiving space 210).

The spacer 216, in one embodiment, is substantially solid. In otherembodiments, the spacer 216 may include at least one void through whichair may flow. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, thespacer 216 includes a ring 220 and a plurality of spokes 222. The ring220 and spokes 222 define a number of pie shaped voids 224 through whichair flows when a user coughs or sneezes into the mucous collectionchamber 102.

In addition to defining the pie shaped voids 224, the ring 220 and eachspoke 222 provides support for the filter 118. Thus, in embodimentswhere the filter 118 is made of a relatively pliable material, thespokes 222 and the ring 220 support the filter 118 and hold the filternear the second end 214 of the wall 206.

In certain embodiment, the filter 118 is a conventional tissue. In otherembodiments, the filter 118 is made of an antimicrobial material forcollecting mucous dispelled within the mucous collection chamber 102.One of skill in the art will recognize other materials which may be usedfor the filter 118.

In certain embodiments, the entire apparatus 100 is made of disposableand/or recyclable materials such that the entire apparatus 100 may bedisposed of once the apparatus 100 is used. In other embodiment, theapparatus 100 is washable such that the apparatus 100 may be re-usedonce the apparatus 100 has been washed.

In yet another embodiment, the filter 118 is disposable. In such anembodiment apparatus 100 may include a way to access the filter 118 fordisposal of the filter 118. For example, in the embodiment illustrate inFIG. 2, the apparatus 100 includes a removable lid 226 that isconfigured to trap the filter 118 between the lid 226 and the spacingelement 216.

The lid 226 includes a substantially circular void 228 through which auser coughs or sneezes. Threads 230 are disposed about a lower peripheryof the lid 228. The inner surface 208 of the wall 206 also includesthreads 232. The threads 230 disposed about the lower periphery of thelid 228 are matingly receivable with the threads 232 on the innersurface of the wall 206 to removeably couple the lid 226 to the mucouscollection chamber 102.

In certain embodiments, the lid 226 includes a plurality of ridges 234disposed about an upper periphery of the lid 226. The ridges 234, in oneembodiment, assist a user is coupling the lid 226 to the mucouscollection chamber 102. One of skill in the art will recognize otherways in which to removably couple the lid 226 to the mucous collectionchamber 102.

With the lid 226 coupled to the mucous collection chamber 102, thefilter 118 and the spacing element 216 are retained within the filterreceiving space 210 in the mucous collection chamber 102. In thisposition, the user may use the mucous collection chamber 102 and filter118 to collect mucous expelled during a cough or sneeze.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus to inhibit the spread of disease,the apparatus comprising: a mucus collection chamber configured toreceive mucus expelled during one of a cough and a sneeze, the mucuscollection chamber comprising a support member having a coupling surfacedisposed opposite a filter receiving surface, wherein a wall extendsperpendicularly from the filter receiving surface of the support memberin a direction opposite the coupling surface of the support member, thewall defining a filter receiving space; and a filter positionable in thefilter receiving space, the filter comprising an antimicrobial materialfor collecting mucus.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising atleast one exhaust port disposed through one of the support member andthe wall, wherein the at least one exhaust port releases air from thefilter receiving space in response to an increase in air pressure withinthe filter receiving space.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesupport member comprises a substantially planar circular disk andwherein the wall is substantially cylindrical, the wall extendingperpendicularly from an outer circumference of the support member. 4.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wall extends from a first end to asecond end, the first end of the wall coupled to the filter receivingsurface of the support member, the second end of the wall extending awayfrom the support member, wherein the filter is positioned adjacent thesecond end of the wall and substantially covers the filter receivingspace.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filter receiving surfaceof the support member, the filter, and the wall define an air gap, theair gap enhancing airflow through the filter receiving space.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a spacing element disposedbetween the filter receiving surface of the support member and thefilter, the spacing element positioning the filter a predefined distancefrom the filter receiving surface of the support member.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the spacing element comprises a ring and aplurality of spokes, each spoke supporting the filter.
 8. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a coupling element coupled to the mucuscollection chamber, the coupling element configured to couple the mucuscollection chamber to a user.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, furthercomprising a fastening element and wherein the coupling elementcomprises an elongated band coupled to the coupling surface of thesupport member, the band positionable around a user's wrist, thefastening element fastening the band around the user's wrist.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the coupling element comprises a fastenercoupleable to a garment.
 11. An apparatus to inhibit the spread ofdisease, the apparatus comprising: a mucus collection chamber configuredto receive mucus expelled during one of a cough and a sneeze, the mucuscollection chamber comprising a support member having a coupling surfacedisposed opposite a filter receiving surface, wherein a wall extendsperpendicularly from the filter receiving surface of the support memberin a direction opposite the coupling surface of the support member, thewall defining a filter receiving space; a filter positionable in thefilter receiving space, the filter comprising a material for collectingmucus; and a coupling element coupled to the mucus collection chamber,the coupling element configured to couple the mucus collection chamberto a user.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising at leastone exhaust port disposed through one of the support member and thewall, wherein the at least one exhaust port releases air from the filterreceiving space in response to an increase in air pressure within thefilter receiving space.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the wallextends from a first end to a second end, the first end of the wallcoupled to the filter receiving surface of the support member, thesecond end of the wall extending away from the support member, whereinthe filter is positioned adjacent the second end of the wall andsubstantially covers the filter receiving space.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the filter receiving surface of the support member,the filter, and the wall define an air gap, the air gap enhancingairflow through the filter receiving space.
 15. The apparatus of claim11, further comprising a spacing element disposed between the filterreceiving surface of the support member and the filter, the spacingelement positioning the filter a predefined distance from the filterreceiving surface of the support member.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein the spacing element comprises a ring and a plurality of spokes,each spoke supporting the filter.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, furthercomprising a fastening element and wherein the coupling elementcomprises an elongated band coupled to the coupling surface of thesupport member, the band positionable around a user's wrist, thefastening element fastening the band around the user's wrist.
 18. Anapparatus to inhibit the spread of disease, the apparatus comprising: amucus collection chamber configured to receive mucus expelled during oneof a cough and a sneeze; and a coupling element coupled to the mucuscollection chamber, the coupling element configured to couple the mucuscollection chamber to a user.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein themucus collection chamber comprises a support member having a couplingsurface disposed opposite a filter receiving surface, wherein a wallextends perpendicularly from the filter receiving surface of the supportmember in a direction opposite the coupling surface of the supportmember, the wall defining a filter receiving space.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 19, further comprising a filter positionable in the filterreceiving space, the filter comprising an antimicrobial material forcollecting mucus.